Intermittent Heart Pain and Upper Back Discomfort: When to Seek Help?

Chest pain with accompanying back pain?

Hello, I had a cardiac ultrasound about a month ago, and the doctor said my heart contractions were normal.
However, in the past few days, I've been experiencing intermittent sharp pains in my heart, and I also have pain in my upper left back.
The back pain lasts for about ten seconds each time, but it occurs quite frequently.
Should I return to the cardiology department for further evaluation?

Qing, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/12/28

Dr. Wu Xueming reply Cardiology

Due to your young age and the absence of chronic diseases, your risk of developing heart disease is low, and the symptoms of pain and happiness are not typical of cardiovascular diseases.
Many factors in life can contribute to this situation, such as emotions, stress, irregular sleep patterns, or excessive intake of caffeinated beverages.
It is advisable to adjust your lifestyle and engage in regular exercise.
However, if the symptoms persist, it is still recommended to visit a hospital for further evaluation.

Reply Date: 2020/12/28

More Info

When experiencing intermittent heart pain and upper back discomfort, it is essential to understand the potential implications of these symptoms. Given your recent echocardiogram, which indicated normal heart contraction, it is reassuring; however, the emergence of new symptoms warrants careful consideration.

Intermittent heart pain can arise from various causes, including musculoskeletal issues, anxiety, or even gastrointestinal problems, such as acid reflux. The fact that you are also experiencing upper back pain could suggest a musculoskeletal origin, particularly if the pain is sharp and localized. Conditions like muscle strain or tension, especially if you have been under stress or have engaged in physical activities that may have strained your back, could be contributing factors.

However, it is crucial to remain vigilant, as heart-related issues can sometimes present with atypical symptoms. For instance, angina, which is chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart, can sometimes manifest as pain in the back, neck, or jaw. Given your history of heart health, even if your recent tests were normal, it is prudent to monitor your symptoms closely.

Here are some guidelines on when to seek medical attention:
1. Duration and Intensity of Pain: If the heart pain becomes more frequent, lasts longer, or increases in intensity, it is essential to seek medical help. Pain that lasts more than a few minutes, especially if it radiates to other areas (like the arm, neck, or jaw), should be evaluated immediately.

2. Associated Symptoms: If you experience additional symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, nausea, or palpitations, these could indicate a more serious condition, and you should seek emergency care.

3. Changes in Pattern: If the nature of your pain changes—becoming more severe or occurring at rest rather than with exertion—this could signal a need for further evaluation.

4. Previous Heart Conditions: Given your history of heart issues, any new or changing symptoms should be taken seriously. Even if previous tests were normal, the emergence of new symptoms may require further investigation.

5. Psychological Factors: Anxiety and stress can exacerbate physical symptoms, including chest and back pain. If you suspect that anxiety may be contributing to your symptoms, discussing this with a healthcare provider can be beneficial.

In your case, since you have been experiencing these symptoms frequently over the past few days, it would be wise to consult your cardiologist or primary care physician. They may recommend further testing, such as an EKG or stress test, to rule out any underlying cardiac issues. Additionally, they can provide guidance on managing any musculoskeletal pain or anxiety that may be contributing to your discomfort.

In summary, while your recent echocardiogram results are reassuring, the presence of intermittent heart pain and upper back discomfort should not be ignored. Monitoring your symptoms closely and seeking medical advice when necessary is crucial for your health and peace of mind. Always err on the side of caution when it comes to heart-related symptoms, and do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Unexplained Chest and Back Pain: A Family Medicine Perspective

This year, I have occasionally experienced issues with arrhythmia, where my heart suddenly pauses. I have undergone blood tests and various examinations, all of which came back normal. However, today I experienced it again, but this time it occurred more frequently than usual. Af...

Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Although your discomfort is primarily concentrated above the waist, from my perspective, it is still important to address each issue separately. I have broadly categorized your concerns into the following three items: 1. Arrhythmia: Given your age, it is necessary to che...

Understanding Left Upper Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Help

Hello! I have a stabbing pain in my upper left chest. It used to occur occasionally, but in the past two weeks, it has become more frequent, sometimes radiating to my left arm and back. I have seen a cardiologist and had an electrocardiogram and a 24-hour Holter monitor, but no c...

Dr. Tao Ruiming reply Pulmonology
Hello: Chest pain or tightness caused by anxiety, panic, and stress often presents as a vague discomfort in the bilateral chest area, making it difficult to pinpoint a specific location. The most common complaint from patients is, "I can't catch my breath; I have to for...

Understanding Chest Pain: Heart Issues or Intercostal Neuralgia?

Hello Doctor: 1. I have been experiencing intermittent pain in the left chest area, specifically at the location of the heart, which occurs even during static activities. I can pinpoint the pain, and it worsens with breathing. The pain usually resolves within half a minute, but...

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine
Cardiac issues should still be evaluated by a cardiologist. If cardiac causes are ruled out, other factors may be responsible. The ideal blood pressure is currently defined as not exceeding 120/80 mmHg. It is important to maintain regular cardiovascular exercise and gradually ada...

Understanding Left Upper Back and Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Help

Hello Doctor: I have a family history of hereditary hypertension with a reading of 150/110. I discovered this around the end of last year and have not started medication yet. I have also been experiencing a persistent cough that has not improved, and a full body check-up last yea...

Dr. Tao Ruiming reply Pulmonology
Hello: Most cases are just sudden muscle soreness caused by general posture changes, and a chest X-ray can be taken for an overview. If it has been more than 5 days without the development of vesicular rashes, the possibility of a neurological infection such as shingles can be ru...